Auburn Career Center officials announced this week that the vocational school will launch a second cosmetology program in the 2026–27 school year, “significantly expanding student access in one of the institution’s most in-demand pathways.”
The decision to expand the course of study follows a comprehensive five-year review of application and enrollment data from Auburn’s member districts, the school confirmed.
During that period, cosmetology consistently ranked among the most requested programs and produced some of Auburn’s largest waitlists.
This year, the field was the most popular, first-choice program among students, and without the additional program, about 57 percent of cosmetology applicants would be placed on a waitlist.
With a second program, officials anticipate reducing the waitlist rate and dramatically increasing access for students across Lake and Geauga counties.
“This is a clear example of Auburn listening and responding,” said Auburn Superintendent Joe Glavan. “Local businesses are communicating a workforce need, families are asking for more seats and member districts are advocating for their students.
“When industry demand, community voice and data all align, the decision becomes clear,” he added. “Expanding cosmetology is the right move for our students and for our regional economy.”
Labor market data reinforces this growth, with active job listings in Geauga County alone revealing more than 75 open hairstylist and cosmetology positions, spanning both full-time and part-time roles.
Moreover, state-level projections indicate consistent annual openings driven primarily by workforce replacement needs, while nationally, the occupation is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Officials added that the expansion directly supports Auburn’s Strategic Plan by addressing enrollment trends and labor market data to optimize program capacity.
“Career technical education must be responsive, data-driven and aligned with community needs,” he said. “And this expansion reflects our ongoing focus while strengthening clear pathways into employment, licensure and continued education for our students.”
Additional details will be provided to families as student placements for the upcoming school year are finalized.
For more information about Auburn’s cosmetology program, visit www.auburnhs.org/.